THE BLESSING OF REMEMBRANCE
‘But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.’
Remember the circumstances under which the temptation to fall away assailed the Hebrews. Christianity was no longer a new thing; there were long-continued hardships from unbelieving countrymen. The Lord had not yet come, as He had foretold, for the punishment of His enemies. The perilous times He had spoken of were upon them. Many of His followers were offended, many turned back and betrayed their brethren, iniquity abounded, and the love of many waxed cold. This Epistle was a trumpet blast to waverers, appealing to their reason, affection, fear, conscience.
The memory of early Christian life should encourage us to steadfastness. The writer of this Epistle reminds them—
I. Of their early spiritual enlightenment.
II. Of what after their enlightenment they were able to do.
III. Of the hope which accompanied this.